The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-03-10

Monsieur Dc Montluc, humblv acknowl-
edging his fault making every apology
and offering any reparation except the
fatal one. But no." he reflects, lit is
too late. The Chevalier de Montluc
has fixed upon combat where neither
side has advantage, since the decision is
in the hands of fate. Excuses would
seem to arise from fear. would be a
coward in the eyes of my comrades. d"
He shuddered at the idea.
"Well," he said after moment of
thought, Il have decided l accept the
duel with all its conditions Heaven is
my witness that the dread of death lad
no part in the cruel indecision which
tormented me, and swear"
He formed at this moment generous
resolution which Gained the tumult in
his soul
But new reflections soon plunged
him into new anxiety. What will
Ernestine say when she learns that her
lover has died by the hand of her
father? How she will grleve! How
criminal she will think me! 0. if she
could only know all that is passing in
my heart. and the firm resolve | have
just formed!
''Instead of giving the Chevalier de
Montluc the care and protection which
my darling wished, | have publicly out
ragged him. What misery! If l die I
shall bear to the grave the scorn and
hatred of Ernestine. The thought is
insupportable. He formed the plan
of writing at once to Madame de Mont
luc, and explaining the true condition
of affairs. ''When | am dead" he
said, ''she will read my letter to Ernest
will not deSpise me. But why should |
inform them in advance of a sorrow
they will learn too soon? Why hasten TO
carry despair to my darling's heart?"
Finally he went 10 his writing desk
2pd made a viii, giving all his wealth
Is Madame de Montluc and Ernestine
After signing and sealing this docu-
ment he left the house, to find. if posi-
bic. some relief from the anguish which
overwhelmed h m. He walked through
the streets of Metz, not caring whittier
he went, the more unhappy that he
had no friend in whom TO confide his
sorrow.
He must find q second. What officer of
the regiment VIII render him this serv-
ice? He is stranger, while the
ChcYal;cr de Montluc possesses the gem
eral regard. He sought the First Lieu
tenant of the regiment. ale is a wise
man." he said: perhaps he can give
me some advice"
The First Lieutenant received him in
2 cold and reserved manner. Verseuil
commenced The conversat on by saying:
you see in me, Monsieur, the most UNI
happy of men. | have atthe very outset
Of my service in the regiment
incurred the bad opinion of al.
Yesterday | forgot myself so far as to
treat with objectionable disrespact the
oldest of the officers. | have failed to
show the consideration due to his age
and his excellence. To-day fully I'M
derstand my fault, ard would give my
last drop of blood in reparation."
He then spoke of his interview with
the Chevalier de MOntluc, ard the duel |
which was to take place, and added: II
bad not before seen the Cheyaiier dc |
Montluc. and did not know that he was. |
OF all men, the one to whom | most |
owed honor and Difference. and now
that know it, Unjust be held up to ridi
cule or must die by his hand.
There is no alternative" said the |
First Lieutenant. "You have insulted
the Chevalier de Montluc He requests,
he demands reparation; nothing less
excuses would not satisfy him; and you
would be lowered in our estimation.
With Us, Monsieur, apologies are only
to men who have proved them
selves courageous Moreover, l w II not
conceal from You, that if you refuse the
duel YOU must leave the regiment, and
if YOU kill the Chevalier de Montluc,
whom we all love as a father, then also
you must leave the reg, ment."
"What," cried Verseuil, have you no
other advice to offer me? / came to
Metz filled with the brightest hopes. |
thought that l could WIN the regard of
my comrades. l knew that | merited
tleir esteem and friendship, and now,
from the first day ! am forsaken-an
If blood would satisfy YOU"
he went on in sort of fury; If had
10 fight. Monsieur, against you, against
the bravcst officer in tie regiment,
against YOU all. you would see if l
lacked courage; but the Chavalier de
NIontluc"' He ended in torrent OF
tears.
The First Lieutenant. who until then
bed appeared unmoved, was deeply
touched by the situation and grief of
tbs interesting young man. He knew
b m to be brave, and understood that
fear of death was not the cause Of his
distress and tears. He took the hand
OF Verseul and said to him:
'sAlOnsieur de NcrSeuil, y0u lave won
nay sympathy and may rely upon my
friendship. VII try to arrange this
affair, but | can not assure
you of the success of my endeavors. The
{ hcvalier de Montluc is the best of
men, but he is extremely sens tive where
his honor is involved. His age renders
him all the more exact NJ on this point.
The older am, he Is accustomed to
say. the more l should be respected
Go to your room. Monsieur de Terseuil,
and seek to recover Your tranquility, 1
win soon rejoin you"
The First Lieutenant did not lose a
moment He went to the ColonePs
quarters and found all the officers to-
gether. After some active debating it
was agreed that young Verseuil owed
full reparation to the estimable Cheva-
lier de MOntluc and that he should